Sven Goran Eriksson lost his 100 per cent Premier League record thanks to Cesc Fabregas's late winner for Arsenal.

But Manchester City boss Eriksson remained upbeat after Kasper Schmeichel's heroics almost earned them a point.

"It is tough to lose but I think we played better than against Manchester United," said Eriksson.

"We worked hard, we stood up to Arsenal when they moved the ball around, as they are famous for, but we also played some good football." Eriksson has made an audacious bid to take Adriano on loan from Inter Milan.

He tried to tie up a deal after the Italian giants told the Brazilian striker they were prepared to let him leave the San Siro.

Eriksson is a long-term admirer of the marksman and remains quietly confident he can seal a deal.